Tara Murray
Sunshine YCW is hoping its youth will take another step in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 5 competition.
After a disappointing finish to last season when they just missed out on finals, the Sunshine YCW IS keen to make the top four this season.
Captain-coach Lachlan Lewin said for the group they were just happy to get out there on the field after the first few weeks were called off due to rain.
“It’s been a tough start with the weather and conditions,” he said. “We’ve got a pretty young group at the moment.
“It’s nice to get out there. We’ve managed to do a lot of training in the lead up. We’ve done a lot of training in the facilities, but we haven’t been able to do much in the middle with the weather.”
Lewin said they had a similar team to last season, with a focus on providing opportunities to younger players.
He said they had a really good junior set up and they wanted to build on that.
“We’ve had a few kids come through the last couple of years,” he said.
“They’ve shown some good signs and hopefully they’ll take the next step. We’ve got a pretty good junior set up and we’re looking to provide opportunities to the kids coming through, these kids have taken it with both hands.”
Lewin highlighted Kane Holden and Hamid Diab, who are both still under-17s, and under-16 Noah Andreula, who has made his first XI debut as young players who have stepped up.
Sunshine YCW has started the season with two wins and loss.
Lewin said they were hoping to build throughout the season to improve on last season’s results.
“We were pretty disappointed with how last season finished,” he said.
“We’re looking to build into the season. We have such a young group and want to take that next step.
“We have to continue to do the work, which they have been doing. We want to look to step up the season and have a real crack in the second half of the season.”
Overall, Lewin said things were looking good at the club as they’ve gone from three sides to four sides this season with an increase in numbers.
The second and third XIs have only played one game each, while the fourth XI have a couple of wins from their games.
Sunshine YCW faced Burnside Springs United on Saturday.
Burnside was bowled out for 33, with Sunshine YCW finishing 0-34 in reply.
Lewin before the game they had fingers crossed they would get out there, with more rain predicted.
“We haven’t played them before, they’ve come across from another competition,” he said.
“They seem to have started okay, it should be a good match.”
